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Log inDeer Isle area draws sea kayakers from all over
Deer Isle area draws sea kayakers from all over
by Outspoken on Sun Aug 03, 2008 11:39 am
Deer Isle area draws sea kayakers from all over
By CAREY KISH
Portland Press Herald
Travel Route 15 across the impressive two-lane span of the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge over Eggemoggin Reach and you will have effectively entered a different time zone. Deer Isle is the epitome of the slower-paced Maine island existence that seems to move largely with the natural rhythms of the sea; a place of authentic charm and character that looks much as it has for a century or more.
At the southern tip of Deer Isle, just east of Stonington on Buckmaster Neck, lies Old Quarry Campground, one of only two campgrounds on the island and the only one with ocean frontage. Old Quarry caters primarily to sea kayakers, "folks who want to experience the smells, the sounds, and the feel of the ocean," according to the campground's Web site.
Step out of the thick spruce forest onto the granite shores of Webb Cove and you'll see a few of the more than 60 islands that comprise the Deer Isle-Stonington archipelago and make this place a paradise for ocean-bound adventurers.
"People come here from all over for the great kayaking," said Captain Bill Baker, campground owner and friendly host. "The archipelago here is unique, the biggest on the East Coast."
Push off from one of two launch sites at Old Quarry and you can paddle and island hop for a few hours, an entire day or, for the ambitious and well-equipped, several days. Thirty--two of the islands are open to the public for day use, while 20 islands allow for overnight camping.
Curious island visitors will discover sandy beaches, meandering hiking paths and sunny rock ledges for picnicking and swimming. The practice of "Leave No Trace" by users is essential to protecting the fragile nature of the islands.
I visited in early July as part of a large Maine Outdoor Adventure Club group that camped at Old Quarry and happily paddled (in small groups) for three days in perfect weather. Some forayed to nearby islands; some made extended loops and visited numerous islands; while others made the big day trip to and from Acadia's Isle au Haut.
"The islands are amazing, the granite, the spruce trees," said Baker. "You can kayak around and poke your nose in here and there. It's all beautiful, all interesting."
Indeed Captain Bill, it is a lovely place, one worth returning to again and again for more exploration and fine paddling. And for that "quiet, laid-back nature of the place, without the traffic and congestion," as Baker describes it.
Old Quarry Campground is a comfortable place with just enough amenities. There are ten tent sites well-situated amid the trees for privacy. Each has a 12-by-12-foot, picnic table and fire ring. Seven sites are accessible only via a short foot path, with wheeled carts available for loading and unloading camping gear.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=202219&ac=Outdoors
By CAREY KISH
Portland Press Herald
Travel Route 15 across the impressive two-lane span of the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge over Eggemoggin Reach and you will have effectively entered a different time zone. Deer Isle is the epitome of the slower-paced Maine island existence that seems to move largely with the natural rhythms of the sea; a place of authentic charm and character that looks much as it has for a century or more.
At the southern tip of Deer Isle, just east of Stonington on Buckmaster Neck, lies Old Quarry Campground, one of only two campgrounds on the island and the only one with ocean frontage. Old Quarry caters primarily to sea kayakers, "folks who want to experience the smells, the sounds, and the feel of the ocean," according to the campground's Web site.
Step out of the thick spruce forest onto the granite shores of Webb Cove and you'll see a few of the more than 60 islands that comprise the Deer Isle-Stonington archipelago and make this place a paradise for ocean-bound adventurers.
"People come here from all over for the great kayaking," said Captain Bill Baker, campground owner and friendly host. "The archipelago here is unique, the biggest on the East Coast."
Push off from one of two launch sites at Old Quarry and you can paddle and island hop for a few hours, an entire day or, for the ambitious and well-equipped, several days. Thirty--two of the islands are open to the public for day use, while 20 islands allow for overnight camping.
Curious island visitors will discover sandy beaches, meandering hiking paths and sunny rock ledges for picnicking and swimming. The practice of "Leave No Trace" by users is essential to protecting the fragile nature of the islands.
I visited in early July as part of a large Maine Outdoor Adventure Club group that camped at Old Quarry and happily paddled (in small groups) for three days in perfect weather. Some forayed to nearby islands; some made extended loops and visited numerous islands; while others made the big day trip to and from Acadia's Isle au Haut.
"The islands are amazing, the granite, the spruce trees," said Baker. "You can kayak around and poke your nose in here and there. It's all beautiful, all interesting."
Indeed Captain Bill, it is a lovely place, one worth returning to again and again for more exploration and fine paddling. And for that "quiet, laid-back nature of the place, without the traffic and congestion," as Baker describes it.
Old Quarry Campground is a comfortable place with just enough amenities. There are ten tent sites well-situated amid the trees for privacy. Each has a 12-by-12-foot, picnic table and fire ring. Seven sites are accessible only via a short foot path, with wheeled carts available for loading and unloading camping gear.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=202219&ac=Outdoors
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Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
